Management Summary Social Enterprise Monitor

Management summary of the Social Enterprise monitor 2016

The Social Enterprise Monitor is the largest study of social enterprises in the Netherlands. The study was conducted for the fourth time in a row. The in-depth theme of this edition is the relationship with customers.

Strong employment growth for years in a row

The social enterprise sector shows growth for the fourth consecutive year. Employment grew by 24% between 2014 and 2016. This picture is consistent with previous years in which the sector had strong growth. There is a clear trend: social enterprises create economic growth. Both employment and revenue grow faster than the average Small and Medium Enterprises.

High level of innovation

Social enterprises often create new products and services. 54% of the social enterprises in this study indicate that they have brought new, non existing products or services to the market. 

Government difficult to reach as customer

Dutch social enterprises indicate that the government is the most difficult customer group of customers to reach. Remarkable, as the government aims to be a "socially responsible buyer." Social enterprises get only 11% of their turnover from the government; most of it comes from B2B customers (46%) and consumers (32%).

Increased awareness of social values

A strikingly large majority of social enterprises (83%) indicates that social awareness among customers has increased among customers in the past two years. Social enterprises themselves contribute to this by raising awareness with their social responsible products, together with external factors such as the Participation Act and the work of pressure groups.

Local government often seen as an obstacle

Asked what the obstacles to increase the social impact are - in addition to finding customers - local government is mentioned the most. This is the administration level with whom social enterprises deal with the most. Local governments are still finding out how to work with social enterprises.

Fewer obstacles for funding

Attracting funding is less experienced as an obstacle, compared to previous years. In 2015, the large majority of social enterprises that sought funding succeeded. A growing group of investors is interested in the added social value. Also alternative sources of financing - such as crowdfunding - go well with social enterprises.

Impact measurement is more important and more professional

More than half the social enterprises (60%) measure their impact. This group has increased, compared to previous years. Also stakeholders ask for an impact report more often. The way of measuring is also addressed more professional: 40% of companies contracted an external party.